Mohsni has no desire to leave Ibrox

BILEL MOHSNI has expressed his desire to remain at Rangers at all costs in the face of strong interest in his services from the Middle East.

BILEL MOHSNI has expressed his desire to remain at Rangers at all costs in the face of strong interest in his services from the Middle East.

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Gary Keown

Baniyas Sports Club, based in Abu Dhabi, are understood to have had an initial approach for the 26-year-old defender rebuffed with reports suggesting that they are preparing to make an improved offer.

Ally McCoist, the Rangers manager, has already signed two central defenders this summer in the shape of Darren McGregor and Marius Zaliukas and the likelihood is that Mohsni would be able to secure a lucrative deal with the side from the United Arab Emirates Pro League.

However, his representatives have made it clear that he does not want to be transferred from Ibrox under any circumstances with the club endeavouring to return to the top level of Scottish football by winning this season's SPFL Championship.

Asked whether a bid had been submitted by Baniyas, licensed FIFA agent Jerome Dakad told Herald Sport: "This is true, but the player does not want to leave Rangers. He wants to take the club back to the Premiership. End of story."

Mohsni has become a firm favourite with Rangers supporters since arriving as a free agent last summer, doing enough during a trial spell to merit a two-year contract. He earned a call-up to the Tunisia squad at the end of last season and featured in friendlies against Belgium and South Korea ahead of the World Cup finals.

Prior to leaving for international duty, he made it clear just how eager he is to help Rangers into the top flight following their financial collapse more than two years ago.

"My dream is to take the club back up to the top and into Europe where it belongs," said Mohsni. "I'd prefer to be at Ibrox 100 times more than playing for a club in the lower half of the English Premier League. That is despite the fact I would earn more money down south."

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